Shure SM137-LC Condenser Instrument Microphone for High SPLs

The Shure SM137 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is a cost-effective small-diaphragm microphone that is well suited for instrument and vocal capturing in project recording and sound reinforcement situations.

The SM137 features an ultra-thin diaphragm that yields a smooth high-end frequency response with a tight, controlled low-end. A -15dB Pad switch minimizes distortion caused by transient (peaking) audio signals. The microphone's cardioid polar pattern effectively eliminates noise and feedback at the off-axis sections of the capsule.

Whether miking amplifier cabinets, drums, percussion or vocals, the SM137 is sure to be a modestly priced solution for the studio or the road.

Features:

Tight high-end and controlled low frequency response

Cardioid polar pattern minimizes noise and feedback

-15dB Pad switch maximizes headroom and reduces distortion

Ultra-thin, 2.5 μm 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar diaphragm for superior transient respons

Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion

Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors

-15dB Pad switch maximizes headroom and reduces distortion

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

Extended frequency response

Low self-noise

Exceptional low-frequency reproduction

Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPLs)

High output level

No crossover distortion

Uniform polar response

Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference (RFI)

APPLICATIONS

Electric guitar amplifiers

Brass and woodwind instruments

Orchestras, choirs, and wind ensembles

Overhead miking of drums and percussion instruments

Close-miking of acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, violins, drums, and percussion

Low-frequency instruments such as double bass and kick drum

Room ambience pick-up (guitar amplifier or drums)

Note:

Sound quality is strongly affected by microphone location and room acoustics.

To achieve the best overall sound for a particular application, it may be necessary to experiment with microphone placement and room treatments.

Mounting the Microphone

Thread the supplied stand adapter onto a floor or boom stand and insert the microphone.

NOTE:

Since this microphone reproduces ultra-low frequencies, use an isolating shock mount (available at www.shure.com) to reduce low-frequency mechanical vibrations transmitted through the stand.

Setting Attenuation

The attenuation switch lets you reduce the signal level without altering the frequency response. This can prevent extremely loud sounds from overloading the microphone.

0 dB

For "quiet" to "normal" sound levels.

-15 dB

For use with extremely loud sound sources such as drums, horns, or loud guitar cabinets.

Integral Pop Filter

The microphone grille consists of 3 separate mesh layers that act as an integral pop filter. This helps reduce wind and breath noise. Depending on the performer, an external pop-protection screen or windscreen may be necessary when closemiking vocalists.

Load Impedance

Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range varies with input load impedance of the preamplifier to which you connect the microphone. Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of 1000 Ω, and most modern microphone preamplifiers meet this requirement. Higher impedance results in better performance for these specifications.

Power Requirements

This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom power. Phantom power can only be transmitted through a cable terminated with XLR connectors at each end.